Vanchikulam, Thrissur

Vanchikulam is a freshwater lake located in Thrissur city, Kerala, which historically served as a major trade and transport hub. During the reign of King Shakthan Thampuran in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it was a bustling center connecting Thrissur to Kochi and other parts of Kerala through an extensive network of canals and backwaters.

Goods like vegetables, rice, clams, and coir products were transported via Vanchikulam, supporting vibrant commerce. However, with the advent of modern transportation such as railways and highways, especially the Shoranur–Cochin railway and National Highway 47, the significance of Vanchikulam declined, and the canal system began to shrink and deteriorate due to pollution, encroachment, and neglect.

Today, restoration efforts are underway to revive the area into an eco-friendly tourist site featuring parks, walkways, boating, and heritage preservation. The lake also remains culturally important, hosting a temple nearby that serves as a spiritual center for the community. Vanchikulam thus represents a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and ongoing revival aiming to reconnect with its historic legacy and boost local tourism.